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NXP Semiconductors PCA9957HNMP
- Part No.:
- PCA9957HNMP
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9957HNMP.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 32MA 40HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:13,488
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Product details
Overview
PCA9957HNMP from NXP Semiconductors is a 24-channel SPI-controlled constant current LED driver optimized for RGBA LED dimming and blinking, delivering up to 32 mA per channel with 5.5 V LED supply tolerance, 8-bit individual PWM (31.25 kHz), and group PWM/blinking (15 Hz–16.8 s) - used in keypad backlights, status indicators, and breath-lighting systems.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9957HNMP datasheet, PCA9957HNMP pinout, PCA9957HNMP application, or PCA9957HNMP equivalent, key selection criteria include its HVQFN40 package, REXT-based current tuning (125 µA–31.875 mA), open/short/thermal fault detection, gradation control across six groups, and active-low OE for hardware-synchronized dimming.
Technical Context
The PCA9957HNMP implements a dual-PWM architecture: each of 24 constant-current sink outputs supports independent 8-bit brightness control at 31.25 kHz, while a shared 8-bit group controller enables synchronized dimming (122 Hz fixed) or programmable blinking (15 Hz to 16.8 s). Its 4-wire SPI interface operates up to 10 MHz and supports daisy-chaining.
Gradation control is implemented via six configurable groups, each with independent ramp-up/ramp-down rate, step time (0.5–512 ms), hold-on/hold-off timing (0–6 s), and final output current - all selectable per channel via GRAD_MODE_SEL and GRAD_GRP_SEL registers. Internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates external timing components.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED Channels | 24 constant-current sink outputs, each programmable for off/on/PWM mode |
| Max Output Current | 32 mA per channel, adjustable via external REXT (125 µA–31.875 mA range) |
| Individual PWM | 8-bit resolution (256 steps), 31.25 kHz fixed frequency, 0–100% duty cycle |
| Group Control | 8-bit group PWM (122 Hz) or group blink (15 Hz–16.8 s, 0–99.6% duty cycle) |
| Supply Range | VDD = 2.7–5.5 V; VDDIO = 2.7–5.5 V; LED supply up to 5.5 V when OFF |
| Accuracy | ±6.5% absolute at 30 mA; ±4% channel-to-channel; ±6% device-to-device |
| Interface | 4-wire SPI (CS, SCLK, SDI, SDO), 10 MHz max clock, daisy-chain capable |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN40 package (5 × 5 × 0.85 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed VSS pad; requires soldering to PCB thermal pad with vias for optimal thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LED0–LED23 | Constant-current sink outputs | 24 dedicated LED driver terminals; each sinks up to 32 mA with 5.5 V tolerance when OFF |
| REXT (Pin 39) | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to ground to set full-scale output current (125 µA–31.875 mA) |
| OE (Pin 8) | Active-low output enable | Hardware-blank all LEDs; enables synchronized external PWM dimming without MCU intervention |
| CS (Pin 7) | Chip select | Active-low SPI slave select; when HIGH, SDO is forced LOW for bus isolation in daisy-chain |
| SCLK/SDI/SDO (Pins 5/6/4) | SPI clock/data lines | Supports 10 MHz operation; MSB-first 16-bit register access with address + R/W bit |
| RESET (Pin 2) | Active-low reset | Asynchronous reset with internal power-on reset; requires external 10 kΩ pull-up |
| VDD (Pin 1), VDDIO (Pin 3) | Power supplies | VDD powers core logic; VDDIO powers I/O buffers - both support 2.7–5.5 V, enabling mixed-voltage system interfacing |
| VSS (Pins 9, 21, 40 + thermal pad) | Ground reference | All VSS pins and exposed pad must connect to system ground; thermal pad essential for thermal management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 24-channel gradation control | Six independent gradation groups with programmable ramp rate, step time (0.5–512 ms), hold times (0–6 s), and final current - enables smooth fade-in/fade-out without CPU overhead |
| Open/short/thermal fault detection | Dedicated error flag registers (EFLAG0–EFLAG5) report per-channel faults; CLRERR bit clears all flags; OVERTEMP bit signals junction overtemperature shutdown |
| Flexible LED state control | Each LED output supports four modes: off, on (no PWM), individual PWM only, or individual + group PWM - configured via LDRx bits in LEDOUT registers |
| EMI-reduction delay programming | OFFSET register (69h) adds programmable delay to LEDn outputs, reducing simultaneous switching noise and inrush current during state transitions |
| Linear/exponential gradation curve | EXP_EN bit in MODE2 selects linear or exponential brightness ramping - matches human perception for natural-looking transitions |
Applications
| RGB Status Indicators | Keypad Backlighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Multi-color status indication on industrial HMI panels requiring precise color mixing and low-latency state changes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver with per-channel 8-bit PWM and group synchronization for consistent RGB intensity scaling. Use Value: Enables accurate white-point tuning and flicker-free color transitions using independent 31.25 kHz PWM per channel. |
Use Scenario: Backlighting for membrane keypads in handheld medical devices where uniform illumination and low EMI are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 24-channel current sink with programmable output delay (OFFSET register) to stagger LED turn-on and suppress conducted emissions. Use Value: Reduces peak inrush current by >40% versus simultaneous switching, easing power supply design and meeting CISPR-22 Class B limits. |
| Fade-In/Fade-Out Breath Lighting | LED Display Dimming Control |
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting in consumer audio equipment requiring smooth, perceptually linear brightness ramps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gradation engine with six user-configurable groups supporting single-shot or continuous ramp modes and exponential curve selection. Use Value: Eliminates firmware polling loops; achieves sub-100-ms fade transitions with <1% brightness step error across 256 levels. |
Use Scenario: Dimming control for segmented LED displays in automotive instrument clusters operating across -40 °C to +85 °C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Temperature-stable constant-current driver with ±4% channel-to-channel matching and built-in overtemperature protection. Use Value: Maintains display uniformity despite ambient temperature shifts; thermal shutdown prevents latch-up under sustained overcurrent conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947 | 24-channel, 12-bit PWM (4096 steps), no group blink, no gradation control, 17 mA max per channel | Lacks group blinking, gradation timing, and thermal fault reporting; suited for high-resolution static dimming only | Choose TLC5947 when 12-bit grayscale precision is required and group-level animation or fault diagnostics are unnecessary |
| IS31FL3731 | 18-channel, 8-bit PWM, integrated frame buffer, I²C interface, 40 mA max per channel, no REXT tuning | Uses I²C instead of SPI; includes auto-refresh memory but lacks REXT-based current calibration and OE pin for hardware sync | Choose IS31FL3731 for space-constrained designs needing I²C simplicity and frame-buffer persistence, not SPI daisy-chaining or analog current tuning |
Compared with TLC5947 and IS31FL3731, the PCA9957HNMP uniquely combines SPI daisy-chaining, REXT-based current calibration, hardware OE synchronization, and six-group gradation - making it optimal for animated, thermally monitored, and layout-scalable LED systems.
Availability
PCA9957HNMP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for keypad backlights, status indicators, breath-lighting systems, and segmented LED displays requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for PCA9957HNMP includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in mixed-signal ICs and embedded processing.
The PCA9957HNMP belongs to NXP's high-precision LED driver product line, designed specifically for applications demanding synchronized multi-channel dimming, robust fault monitoring, and seamless integration into resource-constrained microcontroller systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED supply voltage supported by the PCA9957HNMP?
The PCA9957HNMP LED outputs tolerate up to 5.5 V when in the OFF state, allowing direct connection to common 3.3 V or 5 V LED strings without external level-shifting. This rating is independent of the VDD/VDDIO supply range (2.7–5.5 V), enabling flexible system-level voltage partitioning.
How does the PCA9957HNMP implement gradation control without MCU intervention?
The PCA9957HNMP uses six dedicated gradation groups, each with independently programmable ramp rate, step time (0.5–512 ms), hold-on/hold-off duration (0–6 s), and final current. Once configured via RAMP_RATE_GRPx, STEP_TIME_GRPx, and HOLD_CNTL_GRPx registers, the hardware executes smooth transitions autonomously - freeing the host MCU from timing-critical PWM updates.
Can the PCA9957HNMP detect open or shorted LED connections?
Yes, the PCA9957HNMP integrates real-time open-load, short-load, and overtemperature detection. Fault status is reported in five EFLAG registers (EFLAG0–EFLAG5), each covering a subset of channels. The ERROR bit in MODE2 (bit 6) aggregates all channel faults, and writing '1' to CLRERR (bit 4) clears all flags and re-enables affected channels.
What is the function of the OE (Output Enable) pin on the PCA9957HNMP?
The active-low OE pin on the PCA9957HNMP provides hardware-level blanking of all 24 LED outputs. When asserted, it overrides all PWM and group control settings to force immediate LED turn-off - enabling synchronized dimming or blinking across multiple PCA9957HNMP devices without software coordination or SPI bus traffic.
How is output current calibrated on the PCA9957HNMP?
Output current on the PCA9957HNMP is set by an external resistor (REXT) connected between Pin 39 and ground. With REXT = 2 kΩ, the full-scale current range is 125 µA to 31.875 mA, adjusted via 8-bit IREFx registers. Absolute accuracy is ±6.5% at 30 mA, with ±4% channel-to-channel matching guaranteed over temperature.
PCA9957HNMP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 24
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 0.4V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 32mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-HVQFN (5x5)
PCA9957HNMP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9957HNMP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9957HNMP on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PCA9957HNMP reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9957HNMP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9957HNMP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9957HNMP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9957HNMP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9957HNMP?
PCA9957HNMP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9957HNMP order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PCA9957HNMP?
For technical support, including PCA9957HNMP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9957HNMP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9957HNMP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9957HNMP products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PCA9957HNMP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9957HNMP?
All PCA9957HNMP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9957HNMP, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PCA9957HNMP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9957HNMP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCA9957HNMP Tags
-
BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations
-
HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology
-
CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology
-
BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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